How Often Should I Polish My Boots?

It’s good practice to polish your boots regularly. Doing so keeps your appearance squared away and professional, and helps to extend the life of your boots. Polishing once a week would ensure a continuous sharp appearance, and you can always spot-shine as needed.

Can I put my tactical boots in the washer?

You should never put your duty boots in the washing machine, especially with suede leather. This can permanently damage the boots.

How do you get the smell out of combat boots?

There are several DIY and commercial options for deodorizing tactical boots, but a common thread is removing and cleaning the insoles with hot soapy water, as they can be a perfect medium for bacterial growth. Be sure to let the insoles dry completely before replacing them. You may have heard that putting your boots in the freezer will do the trick, but not that that will prevent bacteria from growing, but bacteria will likely survive and odors could return once you’ve thawed your boots. There are also ‘odor eater’ powders and sprays that can help reduce odor in boots. Wearing Blauer socks can also help as they are treated for resistance to odor causing bacteria.

Weather-Resistant vs Weatherproof

Facing the Elements

When you’re on the job, the weather doesn’t wait for you—and neither should your gear. Blauer outerwear is designed to keep you comfortable, dry, and ready, whether the conditions call for light protection or full-on defense against rain and wind. Understanding the difference between weather-resistant and weatherproof can help you choose the right layer for your shift.

What's the difference?

Not all jackets are built the same. Weather-resistant jackets repel light rain and wind with DWR coatings that cause moisture to bead on the surface, keeping you dry during short-term exposure while staying breathable and flexible. Perfect for colder shifts or unexpected showers.

Weatherproof jackets are built for serious conditions. Using proprietary membranes like B.Dry® or B.Dry XP®, they create a complete barrier against rain, snow, and wind while allowing body moisture to escape. These jackets deliver full, long-lasting protection when the weather is relentless.

Weather-Resistant Softshells

Designed for versatility and comfort, weather-resistant softshells combine a durable outer fabric with an insulating fleece or light lining. The outer layer sheds light rain and wind, while the inner layer traps warmth and helps manage moisture for all-day comfort.

Water resistance and insulation: Blauer softshells begin as a medium weight microfleece jacket that provides the perfect amount of warmth for cool days and nights. We then cover it in a softshell made from fade-resistant stretch nylon. Many companies use polyester for the shell, which is prone to picking and pilling over time. But our proprietary material is immune to this decomposition while still providing the freedom of movement you need. And we don't stop there either – we use our proven water-repellent treatment to protect you from rain or snow, plus additional design features such as elastic cuffs, microphone tabs and other features for ultimate functionality when the temperature drops.
Flexible layering: Wear alone for moderate weather protection or under a shell jacket for added insulation and defense in colder or wetter conditions.

Class B Patrol Pants: Durable for Daily Duty

Best for: Patrol officers who need a balance of professionalism, durability, and comfort.

Weatherproof Outer Shells

Built to stand up to the toughest conditions, most Shell Jackets use a 3-layer construction. In this design, the durable outer shell resists abrasion, the middle waterproof membrane blocks rain and wind, and a soft inner lining adds comfort while managing moisture.

Reliable waterproofing: In Blauer Shell Jackets, we utilize our waterproof B.Dry® or B. Dry XP® membranes to combine both elemental protection and breathability. This proprietary B.Dry membrane by Blauer is micro-porous with pores just small enough to block out liquid water from rain and wind, but large enough to allow smaller-particle body vapors to escape. The B.Dry® Membrane alone doesn't make our jackets fully waterproof. For a fully waterproof option, look for jackets that also feature taped seams, storm flaps, and waterproof zippers to eliminate weak points where water could penetrate.
Flexible layering: Wear alone for full weather defense or over a fleece for extra warmth without bulk.

Stay Ready in Any Weather

Blauer outerwear is built to balance warmth, protection, and comfort, so you stay ready no matter the conditions. From water-resistant fleece liners to fully waterproof shells, every layer is designed with breathability and performance in mind.

Need help figuring out how to layer for your shift? Read our System Outerwear Layering Guide here to get started.

The BDU Pant

Fit: Designed for mobility and range of motion with a military-inspired cut.

Material: Performance ripstop fabrics such as FlexRS or TenX; durable, abrasion-resistant, and easy to care for.

Appearance: Tactical and rugged, leaning heavily on classic military styling.

Functionality/Pockets: 4 standard pockets plus 2 angled BDU thigh pockets for additional gear or tools.

How to clean your dirty tactical boots - Blauer

The Cargo Tactical Pant (stylized as Class C)

Fit: Utility-driven with room to move; slightly looser cut for active duty.

Material: Performance ripstop fabrics for durability and flexibility; multiple Blauer options are available including Covert Cargo and Metro Cargo.

Appearance: Rugged tactical styling, optimized for operational needs while remaining professional on patrol.

Functionality/Pockets: 4 standard pockets plus 2 double-entry side cargo pockets, providing extra storage for essential tools and equipment.

The EMT Pant

Fit: Highly functional with range-of-motion enhancements for kneeling, bending, and climbing; still fits comfortably under duty belt gear.

Material: Rugged performance fabrics that balance durability with flexibility.

Appearance: Rugged, utility-focused, with visible EMT-specific design elements.

Functionality/Pockets: 2 back pockets, 2 large front cargo pockets, 2 EMT-styled cargo pockets with double-snap closure and internal dividers, plus 2 lower-leg pockets for easy access while kneeling. Perfect for EMT and first responder tasks that require specialized storage and organization.

The Fire Resistant (FR) Pant

Fit:

Material:

Appearance:

Functionality/Pockets:

What To Avoid

Over the years, former Massachusetts State Trooper Rick Cronin has perfected the process of shining police boots, and part of his know-how stems from knowing what not to do. These are his top things to avoid:

Avoid spit: the enzymes that are located in your saliva are the first digestive process to break down the food you consume. Leather is an organic material and saliva eventually breaks down the wax and leather of your boot. Also, what cobbler would want to handle a boot loaded with spit in this day and age?
Do not melt off old wax with lighter fluid and a flame
Do not apply alcohol to a leather boot
Do not boil the wax off. Build the wax up. High spots or imperfections in the shine can be re-polished and buffed to equal out the shine.

Choosing the Right Police or Tactical Pant

Need a sharp ceremonial look? Go with the Classic Pant (Class A).

Need durability for daily patrol? The Work Pant or stylized Cargo Pant (Class B) are ideal.

Need tactical or EMS-ready functionality? The BDU, Cargo, or EMT Pants (Class C) deliver maximum storage, mobility, and performance.

How Do I Strip My Boots?
To remove all the polish off of your boots, some recommend carefully pouring boiling water over them. However, Rick does not support this method. Rather than boiling the wax off, Rick says to build the wax up. High spots or imperfections in the shine can be re-polished and buffed to equal out the shine.